Evanston Voters Choose Between Incumbent And Newcomer: Election 2025

EVANSTON, IL — Election Day is finally here, and Evanston voters will decide on several local races, including mayor. There are two candidates running for Mayor of Evanston.

Incumbent Daniel Biss seeks to hang onto his seat against challenger Jeff Boarini, a newcomer with a background in corporate media production.

During his time as Mayor, elected in 2021, Biss has helped revitalize Evanston post-COVID and push the city in a more sustainable direction. According to his campaign website, Boarini said he seeks to put residents front and center and address issues voters want fixed.

Both Biss and Boarini shared their views on key issues affecting Evanston on their campaign websites.

Affordable Housing

Biss: "The phrase 'affordable housing' means a lot of different things to different people, so let me be a little more precise here. I’m not saying that zoning changes alone will automatically create housing that’s affordable for the lowest-income households – in fact, they won’t. But as we increase the housing supply, it will slow the growth of housing costs for everyone, meaning that regardless of income, it will become easier for everyone to find housing in their price range. And when used strategically in combination with policies like our Inclusionary Housing Ordinance that mandates the creation of affordable units in new developments, zoning changes absolutely can be a tool that guarantees new units that are affordable for low-income households."

Boarini: "Most people would agree that Evanston is becoming unaffordable for those of us who live here and unattainable for people who want to move here. The budget is the one thing we can control. We need an 'open book' transparent budget that keeps City costs as low as possible. A tight budget is just good government and will be essential as we brace for financial threats from a chaotic and vengeful Washington. We need to keep in check rising costs from fees, permits and licenses and take
action to protect the people who live here: seniors, working families, students, and all who call Evanston home."

District 65

Biss: "As the parent of two children who went to District 65 schools, Daniel understands both the essential role of strong neighborhood schools and the fear of current (and future) District 65 parents as they face the state of their school district today. It is unacceptable. At this moment, we need to vote for a strong District 65 School Board, who will work with the City as they work to reset and improve the District."

Boarini: "You likely know that District 65 is in trouble with deep debt, declining enrollment, possible school closures and may even be taken over by the State. You also know that the major portion of your tax dollars goes towards our schools. The Mayor says there’s nothing he could have done or can do to help District 65. Officially, he’s right. But our schools are an integral and essential part of our
community and they dramatically affect the quality of life in Evanston. As the leader of our community, the Mayor has a role to play."